Polishing a Stainless 1911

[kannibul]

I'm thinking of having the flats polished to an nice mirror finish - at have it done with regards to the frame. The slide I've pretty much got handled so far ;)

Anyhow, one thing that stands out is the plunger housing on the side of the frame - I guess this is press-fitted or something?

I figure if it can't be removed (or shouldn't be), I'll mask it off and hit that area by hand and get as close as possible.

So, should the plunger housing be removed? Thoughts?

Thanks!


Also, if anyone else has done this, I'd love to hear any advice! :)

[kel]

The plunger tube should be staked in. I don't know the process for removing it, but it can be done. You might have to replace it if you are not able to stake it a second time. It's up to you, how much trouble and expense do you want to go to?

All told I think you might be out 40 dollars removing and replacing it if you did not do your own work. It would cost about as much if you did it yourself because you would need to buy the staking tools and whatever is necessary to remove the staked in tube.

You also should be aware that not all stainless Springfield parts are stainless. Some of them are flash chromed. They were discussing this recently in another thread. If you try to polish it you might remove the chrome. The slide and frame are stainless.

[niemi24s]

One method for removing the plunger tube is to clamp the tube in a smooth-jawed vise after removing the plungers & spring and inserting a close-fitting drill rod - so the vise won't crush the tube.

The frame's then rocked back & forth while being lifted up to gradualy "worry" down the flares on the ends of the plunger tube's mounting pins. If all goes well, the two pins will stay on the plunger tube, but whether this same plunger tube can be reinstalled and successfully restaked (special tool) I don't know.

Recommend not removing the plunger tube. My hunch is it's an MIM part and one or both of the mounting pins will snap off. And if they don't, the staking tool is pretty pricey! Brownells does have this tool, however.